In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
Present simple example sentences | |
---|---|
I have no idea... But I hope they have a good excuse! | |
I can cook, of course, but only when I feel like it. | |
Yeah, our room has only got one window! | |
Kisses to you, too, I'll call you when I get there! | |
We all love bank holidays. | |
Bacon and eggs with some olives is enough for me. | |
Anyway, my lesson is starting now, I have to go. | |
I guess so, but I want to finish seeing all the houses today. | |
And secondly, vets are so expensive! | |
No, I haven't, I don't know what's yours in the fridge. | |
Well, I'm used to getting bad news today, what's that? | |
Why do you think it's weird? | |
I am planning to sleep in a bit since it's a holiday. | |
Who is Mike, darling? | |
Maybe I know your friend. | |
Pogo is my little cat, is there a problem with that? | |
Are you really asking me that question? | |
It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | |
It's all about my lovely little cat, Pogo. | |
I prefer red onions. |